Research commissioning

We commission various types of research to inform the direction and development of our activities and their subsequent evaluation. This includes:

• needs assessments
• scoping and mapping exercises
• surveys
• pre-testing
• systematic and literature reviews

Commissioning process

1. Expression of interest

We advertise research contracts on our website.

Researchers who wish to be considered for our research contracts are asked to complete a Single Procurement Document (SPD) for each new contract advertised. SPDs will be assessed in accordance with the methodology set out in the corresponding SPD Guidance Note.

2. Invitation to tender

We will issue an invitation to tender (ITT) containing the research brief directly to the researchers who exceed the maximum score as stated in the SPD Guidance Note. If you submit a tender you accept our contract terms and conditions. We will not open or consider submitted tenders until after the specified closing date, as stated within the ITT.

3. Assessment of tender

Overall assessment of tenders will focus on identifying the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). We will assess tenders in accordance with the methodology set out within the ITT. The tender assessment process normally results in the identifying of a preferred tenderer, although we are not bound to accept any tender. We will notify all tenderers in writing as soon as possible after completion of the tender assessment process.

4. The briefing meeting

The preferred tenderer is invited to meet with the project group at the briefing meeting. The purpose of the briefing is to discuss the research design and approach as well as operational aspects of the conduct of the research to move toward final agreement and award of the contract.

5. The contract agreement

Individual contract agreements are drawn up for each research contract and mutually agreed by the parties. Each agreement sets out the terms and conditions for research services together with:

• the research proposal
• payment schedule
• copyright and ownership of the research data and outputs
• which country’s law applies

Open contracts

You can find out more about our open contracts below.

Support for the PHS programme evaluation of the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drug Deaths: incorporating a financial and economic perspective (PHS2024-25C020).

Closing date for submissions is 10am on 5 December 2024.

To obtain further information please refer to the following documents:

• ITT Covering Letter
• Invitation to Tender (ITT)
• Contract Agreement Template
• SPD
• SPD Guidance Note

Download the supporting documents for this guidance.

You can email phs.researchoffice@phs.scot for further information on our commissioning process.